2nd Woman Accuses Franken Of Sexual Harassment
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota State Fair is a must stop for politicians, and Democratic Sen. Al Franken is no exception.
But a former Minnesota woman said on Twitter that her 2010 Franken photo-op turned into a butt-grab.
Lindsay Menz told CNN she asked for a photo with Franken when "he pulled me in really close, like awkward close. And as my husband took the picture, he put his hand full-fledged on my rear. It was wrapped tightly around my butt cheek."
She's the second Franken accuser in four days.
"I was violated and I felt he betrayed my trust," Menz wrote.
Responding to Menz's accusation, Franken issued a written statement, reading in part:
"I take thousands of photos at the state fair surrounded by hundreds of people, and I certainly don't remember taking this picture. I feel badly that Ms. Menz came away from our interaction feeling disrespected."
Menz says another Minnesota politician was there that day: former Republican Congressman John Kline, who says he doesn't remember it.
He does say he made it a "mandatory practice" to ask before touching a female for a photo.
"I would ask if they wanted to get up close and take a picture," he said. "I would usually say, 'I'm going to put my hand on your back, or on your shoulder. Is that OK?'"
WCCO reached out to Menz for comment, she did not respond. Her parents live in Prior Lake and declined comment.
Franken has yet to make a public appearance in the wake of the misconduct allegations. Over the weekend, a staffer in his office told The Star Tribune that the senator doesn't plan to resign.
